How to fix
Windows update error 0x800f0905
on Windows

Hello, my PC has been trying to update itself every day, and it keeps failing with an error 0x800f0905. It has been happening for several weeks now, and I always get the same result. The computer takes a lot of resources for this process, hence I can't continue with my tasks as normally. Please help.

Windows update errors are quite common, and most users come across them at least once during years of PC usage. In most cases, such problems go away by themselves, as the reason for them to arise are usually related to unstable internet connections or servers on Microsoft's side. This is why the error message commonly claims that the process will be repeated in the near future, which usually resolves the situation.

However, in some cases, errors are rather persistent, and users can't get their Windows updated for a prolonged period of time - 0x800f0905 is one of the errors reported to be a major problem to many. The issue can arise when an automatic or manual process is initiated and affects various Windows versions.

Windows updates might not seem essential for some users, although this is not true at all. Quite often, they help patch various bugs[ref en-1] that occur due to various reasons, improve user experience with additional features, improve UI,[ref en-2] patch security vulnerabilities,[ref en-3] and much more. Thus, if you have encountered a 0x800f0905 error that does not go away, you should take your time to fix it.

Just like any other Windows update error, this one does not provide any further details into what is causing it or what steps should be taken in order to fix it. This is very common, as each machine has a unique setup hence a universal fix would not apply to everyone. There are several factors that should be taken into account.

One of the most common reasons for errors like 0x800f0905 is system file corruption or issues related to data packet loss during data transfer. Buggy installation is also possible, in which case running a troubleshooter would help. In any case, we provide solutions for all these scenarios below, so many sure you check them all out until one works for you.

Fix 1. Run the troubleshooter

Whenever you deal with any issue related to Windows updates, the first thing should be running a troubleshooter. These built-in helpers can be very useful when trying to fix common problems, so start from that:

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search and hit Enter
• Click Additional troubleshooters on the right
• Scroll down to find Windows update and click it
• Click Run the troubleshooter

  

• Apply the suggested fixes and restart your device.

Fix 2. Start relevant services

For Windows updates to be successful, certain services need to be operational. In case they are not running, problems might occur. If, in your case, these services are already running, you should restart them instead.

• Type in Services in Windows search and press Enter
• Locate Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
• If it is already running, right-click and select Restart
• if the service is not running, double-click it, select Automatic under the Startup type from the drop-down menu
• Click Start, Apply, and OK

  

• Do the same with Windows Update Service.

Fix 3. Remediate corrupted system files

As we already mentioned, damaged or corrupted system files might cause various errors on Windows. SFC and DISM are built-in tools that could help you find and fix these issues for you. If you prefer an automatic method for this fix, we recommend using [d1] PC repair software, as it can find underlying Windows issues and repair them in just a few minutes.

• Type cmd in Windows search
• Right-click on Command Prompt result and select Run as administrator
• Paste the following command into the new window:
  sfc /scannow
• Press Enter and wait till the scan is finished
• Once done, run this set of commands, pressing Enter after each:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

  

Fix 4. Reset Windows Update Components

• Open Command Prompt (Admin) as explained above
• Copy and paste the following commands, pressing Enter each time:
  net stop wuauserv
  net stop cryptSvc
  net stop bits
  net stop msiserver
• Press Win + E to open File Explorer
• Go to the following locations and delete the contents of these folders:
  C:\\Windows\\System32\\catroot2
  C:\\Windows\\SoftwareDistribution

  

• Open Command Prompt again and paste these command lines:
  net start wuauserv
  net start cryptSvc
  net start bits
  net start msiserver
  
• Restart your computer.

Fix 5. Hide problematic update

Some users reported that the update takes too many resources when the process is in place, making the usage of the computer very difficult. If that is the case, you can hide that particular update with the help of the Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter to prevent the 0x800f0905 error. Note that this method is not recommended for updates related to security.

• Download the Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter from the Microsoft website [direct download link]
• Run the wushowhide.diagcab file by double-clicking it from the download location or simply clicking on the downloaded file within the browser
• Select Advanced
• Tick the Apply updates automatically option and click Next
• Pick Hide updates option

  

• From the list, select the problematic update that you can't install due to the error and click Next
• Wait until the changes are applied and click Close.

Fix 6. Use Media Creation Tool

If none of the above methods helped, you could always employ Media Creation Tool to update your system. Before you proceed, make backups of your personal files just in case.

• Visit the official Microsoft website to download Windows 10 files
• Double-click the installer, agree to Terms, and click Next
• Select Upgrade this PC now and click Next

  

• Wait till Windows downloads all the necessary files
• Restart your PC once finished.